HB Summer Festival on Tour with Two Kick-Ass Rides: #HBonTour

#HBonTour

Ride Details:

FENWAY- Kendrick Lamar & Drake Ride: 8/3/15 at 5:00PM + 6:00PM with ELISE

SOUTHIE- Charlie XCX & Lindsey Sterling Ride: 8/4/15 at 5:45PM with JESS

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Kendrick Lamar and Drake Ride

 Album 'To Pimp a Butterfly' by Kendrick LamarDrake

Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) hasn’t played Boston in a while, but has been active in the festival circuit the past year. He recently headlined at Bonnaroo this year and will be playing the Outside Lands (8/7-8/9) music festival in San Francisco. Drake (@Drake) needs far less introduction has he has become quite famous the past couple years. He’s dropped “If You’re Reading This Its Too Late” early in 2015 and has been on fire all year. Drake has a busy August and September he will be playing Festivals in Canada: OVO Fest (8/2-8/3) and The Squamish Valley Music Festival (8/7-8/9) and then….Music Midtown Festival in GA (9/18-9/19), Landmark Music Festival in DC (9/26), ACL Music Festival in Austin, TX (10/2) and Route 91 Musical Festival in Las Vegas (10/2-10/4). Both Kendrick Lamar and Drake are rap-tastic and we can not wait to see how Elise brings these two together!


Artists similar to Kendrick Lamar: J. Cole, A$AP Rocky, Big Sean, Childish Gambino, Wiz Khalifa

Artists similar to Drake: The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, Wiz Khalifa, J. Cole, Kid Cudi, Jay-Z

Reserve your saddle today! Click here

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Charlie XCX and Lindsey Stirling Ride

  Charli XCXLindsey StirlingJ

ess is bringing these two bad ass chicks together for an energy filled ride! You have definitely heard Charli XCX (@charli_xcx) if you have spun at The Handle Bar this Spring/Summer. Charli XCX was featured in Icona Pop’s ginormous hit “I Love It”. She’s about to go on a huge tour with the Bleachers with Jack Antonoff, they actually will be swinging by the House of Blues in Boston 9/14/2015! Lindsey Stirling (@lindseystirling) combines classical music with EDM, hip hop and probably more into just magic. You can catch Lindsey Stirling in a ton of festivals this August including Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco (8/7-8/9), The Billboard Hot 100 Musical Festival (8/22-8/23) in Jones Beach NY and some smaller venues in between.

 

Artists similar to Charlie XCX: Ellie Goulding, Grimes, Icona Pop, Sia, Purity Ring, Lana Del Ray

Artists similar to Lindsey Stirling: Skrillex, David Garrett, Escala, Taylor Davis, Audiomachine

Reserve your saddle today! Click here

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Have suggestions on where to take the #HBonTour? Tweet us @the_handle_bar and we’d love to hear where you would like to go on tour next!

by amy frankenthaler

Introducing HB Rider of the Month – Heather Martin

Heather Martin Rider of the Month


As an active member of our #HBFam, Heather is a true inspiration to everyone she meets. Not only does she embody the HB spirit, but she is killing #HBSummerShare this year…see some of her #HBSummerShare posts here. Heather has even started to document her own weight loss journey on inspiring Instagram account @Journey_to_fierceandfit. We totally recommend you follow her journey, Heather is doing amazing! As Cara described Heather she said “She rode her first double last month, and has just been kicking ass, always high energy in class and overall positive vibes in the studio.” That is some high praise from Cara! We are just so happy to award you Rider of the Month, Congrats Heather!
1.Everyone has their own unique fitness journey. Rumor has it you’ve even started your own fitness Instagram account? What has your journey been like with spinning?

I started spinning at The Handle Bar Fenway location in August 2014.  I loved the energy of the music and motivation from the instructors to push beyond my limits. In January 2015, I began my fitness journey and The Handle Bar team has been positive and supportive every step of the way. I started and have maintained to take at least five to six classes per week. My stamina, skills and confidence in my riding began to skyrocket and I couldn’t get enough of the high I felt in class!  During this time, I started to record my fitness journey and progress on my Instagram account, @Journey_to_fierceandfit.  I have connected with people from all over the country on fitness, wellness and weight loss. This community keeps me motivated and inspired to reach my fitness and nutrition goals.
2. Tell us an unknown fact about yourself.

I sang at Carnegie Hall, performing with my concert choir!
3.What did you do for fitness prior to joining the studio? Besides cycling, what other activities do you do to keep fit?

Prior to cycling, I was a competitive hip hop dancer. I discovered I would exercise if the workout was music driven which is why I became a committed Zumba girl. I have recently tried boxing classes and would like to continue with that a few times a month to mix my workouts up.  Training at The Handle Bar has made for an easy transition to be a road cyclist.  In the summer, I paddle board, kayak, and swim to get my tan and fitness on!
4. What other communities are you a part of in Boston? Social groups, volunteering, athletics, hobbies?

I have been able to raise awareness and contribute to various charitable organizations through running 5K road races. These events keep me on track with my fitness goals while helping others.
5. What goals has The Handle Bar helped you achieve?

Fitness/Weight Loss Goals: Since February, I have lost 30 pounds! I have improved my stamina, my mental attitude towards fitness, and to challenge myself to spin harder in every class.

Other Achievements: The HB has increased my self confidence, helped stay committed to a healthy lifestyle, and connect to a social group that makes fitness and self improvement a priority.
6. What’s your favorite way to end a long week?

First, a 6:00 PM ride at The Handle Bar Fenway to spin away the work week. Then dinner and drinks with friends at a restaurant that none of us have been to before. The goal of the group for the summer is to never to meet up at the same place twice!
7. What words do you live by?

“Believe you can and you are halfway there” – Teddy Roosevelt


Thank you Heather for letting us find out more about you and we will be sure to follow your journey on Instagram! Keep up the great work and we are inspired by you everyday.

Do you have someone you would like to nominate for Rider of the Month? Reach out to us, email, twitter (@the_handle_bar), Facebook message us and tell us why this person deserves the praise 🙂

As always, see you in the saddle!

by amy frankenthaler

HB Summer Festival on Tour with TWO Bar Fights: #HBonTour

HBonTour

Ride Details:

FENWAY Chainsmokers and Misterwives BAR FIGHT: 7/23/2015 at 7:00PM with ALLIE + EVE

SOUTHIE Passion Pit and Broods BAR FIGHT: 7/23/2015 at 5:45PM with LENA + SARAH C

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Chainsmokers and Misterwives Bar Fight

  MisterWives Image The Chainsmokers Image

We will be bringing the EDM style of The Chainsmokers (@thechainsmokers) to the Indie vibe of the MisterWives (@misterwives) together in this Bar Fight. You can not miss this! See below for both The Chainsmokers and MisterWives more popular hits to prepare for the Bar Fight. Allie and Eve are excited to show you how awesome these two bands are.The Chainsmokers are playing s couple HUGE Festivals this summer: Lollapalooza (8/2) and The Billboard Hot 100 Musical Festival (8/22-8/23) in Jones Beach NY. The MisterWives have a big Festival schedule coming up, they are playing Boston Calling (9/25-9/27), The Grassroots Music Festival (7/31-8/2) and Outside Lands (8/7-8/9).


Artists similar to Chainsmokers: Steve Aoki, Calvin Harris, Alesso, Galantis, Zedd, Tiesto, Avicii,

Artists similar to MisterWives: X Ambassadors, Zella Day, Halsey, Betty Who, Ryn Weaver

Reserve your saddle today! Click here

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Passion Pit and Broods Bar Fight

Passion PitBroods

This Bar Fight is RIGHT before the Passion Pit (@passionpit) and Broods sold out show at the Lawn on D! Pre-game this awesome show with Lena and Sarah C, we are so pumped for this Bar Fight and Show! We hope to see you at both! You can also catch the Broods (@broodsmusic) at the Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco (8/7-8/9) and Passion Pit will be playing some lower key venues the rest of the summer. We hope to see you at our pregame Bar Fight and at the Lawn on D July 23rd!


Artists similar to Passion Pit: Matt and Kim, MGMT, Foster The People, Vampire Weekend, Ra Ra Riot
Artists similar to Broods: Lorde, Banks, Betty Who, MS MR, Zella Day, Halsey, CHVRCHES, Milky Ekko

Reserve your saddle today! Click here

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Have suggestions on where to take the #HBonTour? Tweet us @the_handle_bar and we’d love to hear where you would like to go on tour next!

by amy frankenthaler

HB Summer Festival on Tour with ODESZA #HBonTour

HBonTour

Ride Details:
FENWAY Odesza Ride: 7/15/2015 at 5:00PM with SARAH C
SOUTHIE Odesza Ride: 7/17/2015 at 5:45PM with SARAH C

Odesza Album Cover for 'In Return'

Odesza (@odesza) was just recently in town at the House of Blues (HoB), but in case you missed them, they will be back at the HoB on November 14th! If you’d like to hear them sooner grab a saddle this week with Sarah C! Just to get you up to speed on Odesza’s music, some of their more popular songs are: “Say My Name (feat Zyra)”, “Sun Models (feat. Madelyn Grant)” and “All We Need (feat. Shy Girls).” See the Spotify playlist below to for just a small taste of their amazing music and to get you pumped for the rides.

Fun Fact: Odesza was formed in 2012 (only 3 years ago) at Western Washington University in Seattle, WA

Similar Artists:  Flume, Banks, Purity Ring, Glass Animals, Broods, Kygo

Reserve your saddle today! Click here

Have suggestions on where to take the #HBonTour? Liking the tour so far? Let us know! Tweet us @the_handle_bar and we’d love to hear your input and awesome ideas!

Odesza

by amy frankenthaler

NEXT STOP- HB Summer Festival on Tour Featuring Flume #HBonTour

HBonTour

Ride Details:
FENWAY Flume Ride: Wednesday 7/08/2015 at 6:00PM with LENA
SOUTHIE Flume Ride: Thursday 7/09/2015 at 5:45PM with LENA

Reserve your saddle today! Click here

Flume

Flume (@flumemusic) just recently had a sold out show at the House of Blues in Boston on June 23, 2015. This young Australian artist (23 years old!) has made many festival stops in the past couple years, festival appearances include: Lollapalooza, Coachella, SXSW, Boston Calling and most recently The Governor’s Ball in NY. Our super Master Instructor Lena even saw Flume at this year’s Governor’s Ball! She says “FLUME was amazing live! My favorite artists at Gov Ball hands down!” We know that Lena will absolutely bring it with this Flume ride!

Flume Headline

Similar Artists: Chet Faker, Hermitude, Purity Ring, SBTRKT, Jamie xx and Flosstradamus

Reserve your saddle today! Click here

Have suggestions on where to take the #HBonTour? Tweet us @the_handle_bar and we’d love to hear your ideas!

You’ve definitely heard the below song in spin class lately- Disclosure – You & Me (Flume Remix):

by amy frankenthaler

#HBSummerShare 2015: Commit to a Summer Worth Sharing

by amy frankenthaler

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Have you signed up for #HBSummershare yet? If Not Now? When? #HBSummerShare starts June 1st, you have only a couple more days to take advantage of this fantastic deal: $400 for 10 weeks of UNLIMITED riding. How will you #raisethebar this summer?

We were able to reach out to four of our awesome HBriders that both won #HBSummerShare last summer Alisun Kovach, Dayna Isley, Becky Anzalone and Nicole Castillo. Thanks again ladies for sharing your experiences with us, we love our #HBFam! We had them reflect on their experience last summer with HBSummerShare:

 

1)What inspired you to sign up for #HBSummerShare last summer?

Becky Anzalone: I signed up #HBSummerShare last summer as a way to hold me accountable for my workout routine. I find it hard in the summer months to keep up with a consistent routine with the lure of outdoor patio drinking.  I already found myself spinning a few nights a week so it made sense (as well as the cost-savings of being able to have an unlimited pass to spin classes).

Nicole Castillo:I was training for a half-marathon, and I wanted to step up my game. Spinning made a huge difference, because I am able to achieve a much harder cardio doing it than running. Also, the competition was just so fun! And pretty much I’ll do anything for free swag. 🙂

Alisun Kovach: I never participated in any kind of challenge before, I thought the #HBSummerShare sounded really fun, and seemed like a great way to prioritize working out during the summer. Plus the potential to win a free month of unlimited riding and a free shirt had me sold!

Dayna Isley: I ran my first half marathon in May last year. Running, as it turns out, is not my favorite. I needed a change, and #HBSummerShare seemed like a good challenge.

2)Describe your experience. What was the best part about #HBSummerShare last year?

Becky Anzalone:I am so glad I participated last year! One of my good friends also did it with me, so we could both motivate each other and use it as an excuse to see each other more often.  I also loved having the board up on display – talk about accountability! It was also a great way to see how you were stacking up versus other riders. The competitive element was really motivating! I also really enjoyed the social media aspect and tagging my instagram pics and tweets with the #HBsummershare.  It’s a great way to stay connected with other HB riders/instructors.

Nicole Castillo: It was incredible! A friend (Valerie Abeille) and I did it — she was at Fenway and I was at Southie and we could watch each others’ progress on the leaderboard. It was hard at times to stick with it because I would “fall behind” when I went on vacation. But, knowing I had a goal to reach, got me to hit spin at times when I normally would just skip it… like before I got on the airplane for a summer vacation, or early in the morning after a late night out.

Alisun Kovach: Participating in the #HBSummerShare was awesome. Since I was at the studio so much, I got to meet a lot of new people and was able to get to know the girls who work there too (love them all!). I also loved that you got points not only for going to classes, but also for posting on instagram (truth be told, I didn’t have an insta account until the challenge started, and now I can’t get enough of it). It was fun walking around and finding random things that would remind you of the HB, and therefore remind you to get your butt to class, and like I said, prioritize working out, even when all you really wanted to do was lay at the beach all day.

Dayna Isley: I had been spinning some at the Handle Bar in Southie since it opened, but #HBSummerShare really kicked things up. I learned that I could spin a lot–even in the morning!–and really love it.  By the end of summer, I could even make it through both sets of arms in Elise’s hour of power Saturday classes. I felt stronger and had fun in the process.

3) Are you signed up for #HBSummerShare this summer? If so, what are you looking forward to most?

Becky Anzalone: I signed up for my second #HBsummershare for this summer and I can’t wait until it starts.  I am excited to have an unlimited pass to ride all summer long and stay motivated by all the amazing riders at the Handle Bar  (I have a couple friends who I plan on riding with this summer as well!). I’ve tried other spin studios over the years across the city, but the sense of community at Handle Bar, is part of what keeps me coming back.  #HBSummerShare is a prime example of why I love spinning at the Handle Bar.

Nicole Castillo: I’m not… because I have the VIP membership… or I totally would! I am still going to hashtag and post. The Handlebar ladies of twitter are already in full force. I’m excited to join them. I’m at @niccastillo1017 I’m all about the social media engagement. Last year, I did a top 10 things I learned from #HBSummerShare. Let’s see what I come up with this year. 🙂

Alisun Kovach: I haven’t decided if I’m singing up yet, but I would really like to win a beach towel, so I probably will!

Dayna Isley: I signed up for #HBSummerShare again because it was so motivating and fun last year. Because I like spin, I know I’ll stick with it; and if I ever feel like slacking, the challenge will keep me motivated. It’s also a great deal when you break it down. Bring on June 1!

An Instagram posted by Becky last summer for #HBSummerShare. A great example of the hashtag social media challenge in action.

An Instagram posted by Becky last summer for #HBSummerShare. A great example of the hashtag social media challenge in action.


If you still aren’t convinced, we’ve put together a list of the top reasons to participate in #HBSummerShare.

Top Five Reasons to Join #HBSummerShare 2015:

  1. Stay in Shape and Motivated all Summer long with a Steal of a Deal                       Each studio will track those participating in the riding competition. It’s officially bikini season, we have to keep that beach body we worked so hard to get! Can’t give up now, keep that beach body all summer long with #HBSummerShare. Ten weeks of unlimited riding for just $400 lets you stay in shape and save for those amazing summer adventures.
  2. #HBFam + #HBCommunity Support (Forever and Always <3)                                Join the #HBFam this summer not only in the saddle, but whereever your summer adventures take you! Simply, by tagging #HBSummerShare in a Facebook post, Instagram or tweet, your #HBFam will be right there with you. We, also, encourage you to make some new #HBSummerShare 2015 friends and meet up both on AND off the saddle. This is strongly encouraged in any and all challenges this summer..after all…“You CAN Spin With Us” 🙂
  3. Adjusted Summer Schedule- Just for YOU                                                         We know you’re busy, its summer, its warm…you want to be on the beach. We have tailored our weekend schedules to accommodate just that. Please take a look at your home studio’s schedules because weekend times have been added and changed for the summer effective this weekend. All the more reason to squeeze in a ride or two with your unlimited #HBSummerShare package.
  4. Prizes (Who doesn’t like prizes?)                                                                          We like prizes! If you participate in the riding competition and ride 45 times in 10 weeks…that’s just 4-5 times per week…you win a beautiful #HBSummerShare 2015 beach towel. Think of all those at the beach or pool envious of that gorgeous towel you EARNED. The top four rides will win FURTHER unlimited riding packages.                                                                              If you participate in the hashtag/social media competition, you have a chance to win a prize EVERY week of the competition. Each week, our favorite hashtagged post will be announced and the winner will receive a gift from 1 of our favorite local spots. The sponsor and prize will be announced at the start of each week, and to get you started  – here’s what we have for our first 4 weeks of the competition:

    Week 1 Prize: Handle Bar embroidered Backpack or duffle (of your choice)

    Week 2 Prize: A tasty gift from a tasty place! $50 to Tasty Burger

    Week 3 Prize: Feeling feisty? Post to win $50 to Loco Taqueria and Oyster Bar in Southie!

    Week 4 Prize:  A Perky Gift from our new Fenway neighbor! Pavement Coffee $50 gift card

                                     More prizes to be released next week!

  5. Competition                                                                                                                                             Challenge your friends, family, neighbors, mailman, new and old HB friends and more importantly YOURSELF to ride more, ride stronger, ride proud. Share the link to this blog with anyone you want to see sitting on that saddle next to you.                                                                                                                           This is your summer, your time to shine, to kick ass, so take charge! The summer of you is waiting…so grab a #HBSummershare package and watch yourself transform in just 10 weeks. The challenge starts June 1st, so act fast.

Click here to purchase your #HBSummerShare 2015 purchase.

Once the #HBSummerShare kicks off on June 1st, we’ll be following your progress riding AND sharing your Instagrams/tweets to keep you motivated and on track all summer long. Be sure to tag #HBSummerShare in your posts!

Tweet at us when and why you chose to sign up for #HBSummerShare to @The_Handle_Bar for twitter AND instagram!  Doing the #HBSummerShare for the second year in a row? We want to hear from you too, share your experiences just like Alisun, Dayna, Becky and Nicole. We may just share some on and before the #HBSummerShare kickoff June 1st.

As always, see you in the saddle!

The new LEADERBOOK for #HBSummerShare2015! Keep track of your progress and competition!

The new LEADERBOOK for #HBSummerShare 2015! Keep track of your progress and competition!

Who raised the bar in July?

Beatrice Rossa!

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We are so excited to recognize Beatrice’s hard work and commitment to her body, herself, and her fitness goals. When The Handle Bar opened in her building, Beatrice saw a chance to make the changes in her lifestyle she had been wanting to make for years. An on-again, off-again group fitness participant, Beatrice knew that The Handle Bar could be all that she needed to finally get motivated–and stay motivated. Since her first class at The Handle Bar, Beatrice has lost over 10 pounds, but most importantly has regained the self-confidence and energy she had as a 20-something. Congrats, Beatrice! You–and all of our riders who are achieving their fitness goals–are what keep our wheels spinning.

So, Beatrice…

Everyone has their own unique fitness journey. What has your experience/journey been like with spinning?

Before the Handle Bar I was at my wit’s end with my increasing weight and lack of motivation to do anything about it. I had experience taking classes in the past and knew that they really helped me get fit and motivated. When I heard that the Handle Bar was opening in my neighborhood I was so excited because I knew it was exactly what I needed.

How do you fit fitness into your everyday life?

Before the Handle Bar, work took over my life and I had time for little else. But I knew that had to change if I was going to commit to getting healthy. In the beginning I tried to take the 6am classes to make it fit with my work schedule. But I am not a morning person at all and after the 3rd day in a row I realized I couldn’t keep it up. I was relieved to see that the Handle Bar has 7pm classes, which is perfect for me. I plan out my week in advance, register for classes online, and commit to leaving work in time to make it. It took about a month of figuring out what schedule works best for me, but I am proud to say that I am at the Handle bar 4-6 days a week. So glad I bought the 40 class package, totally worth it!!!

What goals has The Handle Bar helped you achieve?

I feel more energized, fitter, self-confident, and I lost 10 pounds!

What’s your favorite way to retox after a long week?

I have a weakness for chocolate, so I indulge once or twice a week now, rather than everyday like I used to. Good thing I know I can still give in a little and work it off at the Handle Bar 🙂

Do you have a favorite class at The Handle Bar?

My preference is the 1 hour classes on the weekends. I know that I will burn off the most calories and can still have time to enjoy my weekends.

What is your favorite music to spin to?

One of my favorite things about The Handle Bar is the awesome music and moving to the beat. I kinda feel like I’m in a club with the dim blue lights and the occasional DJ JI love to move to anything by Ke$ha or Britney.

What are your thoughts on using bike shoes? Had you ever used them prior to riding with us at The Handle Bar?

At first I thought it was a weird idea, kinda like bowling shoes. But once I tried it at the Handle Bar, I totally got it. The ride was smoother and my sense of security while standing on the pedals was so much better.  I went online and ordered myself a pair pronto.

What motivates you?

Believe it or not, it’s actually being an inspiration to others. I love telling people about how excited I am about the Handle Bar and how committed I’ve been about sticking to a schedule. There is nothing better than seeing that you can help motivate others with your actions to change their lives.

What words do you live by?

Life’s too short, so make the best of it!